by L. P. Dover
“Whatever happens, I don’t plan on having any man take care of me, Colin. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
Grabbing the bag of cinnamon raisin bagels, he pulled two out and put them in the toaster oven. It was what he used to do every morning we spent together. While they toasted, he fetched the cream cheese and orange juice out of the refrigerator and grabbed us two glasses. When he noticed me watching, he smiled and tapped me on the chin.
“Old habits die hard, I guess. And I know you can take care of yourself. I just didn’t want you to stress about finding a job if there weren’t any available.”
My chest ached with how normal mine and Colin’s lives used to be. He would do anything and everything for me, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted the spark . . . the passion.
Once our bagels were done, Gabriella came running out of her room with her gym bag across her shoulders. She grabbed a banana and raced for the door. “Hello and goodbye. I’m running late, but I’ll see you later. We’re having a girl’s night tonight, so be ready.”
“Where’s Bradley going to be?” I asked.
She opened the door and repositioned her gym bag. “Get Colin to explain. I have to go before my brother kills me.”
Turning to Colin, he laughed and shook his head. “We’re leaving today for a baseball camp in Texas. We’ll be gone until Sunday. I was going to tell you last night, but there were more important things to discuss.”
“Your baseball is important. You’ll be playing pro next year and traveling across the states. You should be happy about that.”
Sighing, he threw away the rest of his bagel and left to grab his shirt and jeans off of the couch. “I am happy, but right now I’m more worried about you and the baby. Just let me know when you make the appointment, so I can go with you.” After putting on his clothes, he walked over and pulled me to him, hugging me tight.
“I’ll get an appointment scheduled. Have fun in Texas.”
Letting me go, he grabbed his keys off of the counter and kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll call to check up on you, okay?”
I nodded and watched him walk out the door. He deserved someone who loved him as much as he loved me. Picking up the phone, I dialed the number to my doctor’s office and waited on them to pick up. I needed answers . . . and fast.
By the time Gabriella walked through the front door, I had just gotten off the phone with the principal at Stonewall Academy. They were impressed with my resume and wanted to schedule an interview for a teaching position. Setting my phone down, I looked at her over my shoulder and smiled.
Her eyes went wide. “Wow, I think that’s the first smile I’ve seen on your face since you’ve been home. What’s up?”
“Well, first off, I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled in two weeks. It sucks, but I love my doctor down there and I refuse to go somewhere else. And second, I have an interview tomorrow.”
She sat beside me and bumped me with her shoulder. “Well, at least you made the appointment. You’ll just need to figure out when to tell Ryley.”
Whenever he decides to talk to me again would be a start. “I’ll figure that out when the time comes.”
“So what’s the interview for?” she asked.
“Well, it’s not exactly what I want to do for a career, but since I can’t exactly work out in the field with being pregnant and all, I opted for a teaching position. I think it’ll be fun.”
“Oh wow, that’s great,” she exclaimed. “And since it’s still summer, you’ll have the rest of the season off. I’m so happy for you. Maybe one day down the road we’ll get a job exploring the ocean depths together. Now that is what I look forward to.”
I laid my head on her shoulder. “Maybe one day,” I murmured. “Right now, we have bigger plans.”
“And part of those plans involve you coming with me to the fights on Saturday night. I have one against Jaden Eller. This time, it’s not in Tyler’s gym. It’s going to be in the real spotlight. You have to be there for me.”
And I’ll most likely see Ryley again. She was thinking the same thing by the sly expression on her face. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about Colin and Ryley crossing paths for the time being. That was the last thing I needed.
FRIDAY CAME AND went, along with my interview, which I had to admit went amazingly well. Thankfully, I made it through the interview without getting sick and throwing up all over the principal’s desk. I had a good feeling about it. Now, I was in the car with Gabriella as we headed on our way to the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. It was five hours away so we decided to book a hotel room, so we didn’t have to drive back late tonight. I was focused on round three with Ryley, and this time, I wasn’t going to let him walk away.
“Do you want to go to the party tonight?” Gabriella asked.
When I looked over at her, she smiled. Her midnight hair was sleek down her back and she wore a pink MMA Pride T-shirt with a pair of denim shorts. My tank top, however, had Team Gabriella written on it in bold, pink letters. She also brought two with Team Ryley written across the chest, and told me that we were going to change into them before his fight. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but saying no to Gabby wasn’t exactly easy.
“I promise you’ll have fun. I’ll even let you be the designated driver. How does that sound?” she asked with a sly grin.
“Gee, thanks,” I laughed, rolling my eyes. Pausing, I glanced out the window and my smile faded. “Do you think Ryley will be there?”
“I’m not sure, Ash. I haven’t talked to him in two days. I saw him at the gym yesterday, but he kept to himself. He barely talked to Megan when we were working with her.”
“Megan? I remember him talking about a Megan before. Is it the same girl?”
Gabriella nodded. “Yeah, it’s the same one. Don’t worry there’s nothing going on between them. I’ve been helping Ryley teach her some self-defense moves. If Ryley hadn’t taught her how to fight I don’t know if she’d be alive right now. Her ex attacked her about a month ago.”
“I remember,” I claimed, thinking back to the day he’d received the phone call. We were on our way to his cabin when Megan’s brother said she was in the hospital. I would never forget the tormented look on Ryley’s face when he heard the news. It was then when I fell in love with him more.
“So anyway, I don’t know what he’s doing tonight. Have you tried calling him?”
“No,” I replied, shaking my head. “I would rather wait and talk to him in person. It’s not like he’d answer the calls anyway.”
We rode the rest of the way in silence, Gabriella was obviously trying to keep her mind focused before her fight with Jaden. Tonight would be the first time I’d actually get to watch her in action instead of seeing her through the television. I was so proud of her.
By the time we pulled up to the arena, there were many people lining up to get inside. I didn’t see Ryley’s car in the fighter’s parking lot, but I saw Camden’s. He was going to be a problem.
Gabriella followed my line of sight and growled. “Ryley wasn’t too happy when he found out what Camden did. He said he was going to handle it. I told him if he didn’t, I was going to kick his brother’s ass. I know you could do it yourself, but you have to take care of that little one in there,” she said, glancing down at my stomach. “I’m sure little Ryley would be more than happy to kick his uncle’s ass.”
The thought made me laugh and also made my chest tighten. I could just imagine having a little boy running around with my brown hair and Ryley’s crystal blue eyes. He would be a heartbreaker just like his dad. Even if he didn’t want me back, I would still have a part of him with me . . . our child.
“How do you know it’s going to be a boy?” I asked, rubbing my still flat stomach.
Gabriella opened her car door and winked. “For some reason, I can see Ryley only making boys. Knowing your luck, you’ll have twins. Double trouble. Let’s just hope the other one isn’t like Camden.”
Ch
ills fanned across my skin and I shivered. “No way in hell. That’s not going to happen,” I claimed.
Once I got out of the car, we started toward the arena and went through the back door. I recognized a few of the faces from before; especially, one who smiled at Gabriella the moment she locked eyes with him. Quickly, she took my hand and pulled me along behind her. “Okay, we need to get out of here,” she insisted awkwardly. Before turning the corner, she looked back once and blew out a nervous breath.
When we got to her room, she ushered me inside and shut the door. “Uh, do you mind telling me what’s going on? Wasn’t that Paxton Emerson?”
She groaned. “Yes, and he won’t leave me alone.” Setting her bag down, she opened it up and started pulling out her gear.
“Well, tell me if I’m wrong, but you don’t look too upset with his attention. Is there something going on between you two?”
“No, there can’t be,” she exclaimed, slamming her things down on the table. “Can we just stop talking about him? I need to get ready and focus.”
Something was going on, but she was right; I didn’t want to pry and piss her off when she had an important fight coming up. Plus, I couldn’t exactly be angry at her for keeping things from me, since I’d kept my life bottled up for the past few weeks. A few minutes later, her brother and coach, Matt Reynolds, walked through the door. Gabriella’s agent, Garrett Wells, followed closely behind. He used to be Matt’s agent until he retired from fighting—I had yet to be formally introduced to him.
Matt and Gabriella had the same color hair and eyes, and he was dressed in none other than a black ‘Team Gabriella’ T-shirt and jeans. I couldn’t stop the snicker from escaping my lips.
He looked over at me and smiled when he realized what I was laughing at. “Yeah, I know,” he grumbled. “I figured since she wore them for during my fights, it would only be fair to wear them to hers. I owe her that much, even if she does get on my nerves.”
Gabriella punched him in the arm. “Hey, I’m right here. Why don’t you be a good coach and tape up my hands?”
Garrett chuckled along with them and then sidled up beside me, adjusting his gray dress pants as he sat down. His shirt matched his blue eyes and his golden blond hair was combed and styled perfectly. Gabriella told me he wasn’t much older than us, but he happened to be a little snobbish. I could see it in the arrogant way he smiled.
Extending his hand, he smiled and said, “I’m Garrett Wells, Gabriella’s agent.”
Returning the gesture, I shook his hand and grinned. “Ashleigh Warren. Very nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. So are you excited about watching her fight? I haven’t seen you here before, but she talks about you all the time.”
“I’ve been in Aspen for a while and just flew in a couple days ago. Although, I did have the luxury of training with her one day, until I stepped out of line and left with a bloody nose.” I hung my head dramatically.
“It was an accident,” Gabriella shrieked.
We all chuckled, but then Garrett looked down at his watch. “All right, it’s about time to go.” His gaze then lifted to mine. “Are you ready? You’re sitting with me tonight.”
“Oh yeah, of course, let’s go.” Getting to my feet, I walked over to Gabriella and hugged her tight. “Good luck tonight. I can’t wait to see you kick ass.”
“Thanks, Ash. I’ll see you out there. Afterward, we can come back in here and get something to eat before Ryley’s fight. I have a strange feeling you’re going to need all the energy you can get tonight.”
She winked at me and nudged me toward Garrett who took my elbow and guided me to the door. What did she mean by that? I didn’t have time to ask because I was being led down the hall. Garrett talked to me the entire time, but my attention strayed when I felt a presence watching me from behind. When I turned around, I only got one quick look at him before I disappeared around the corner. At least he knew I was there.
GARRETT AND I took our seats just in time to watch Jaden Eller strut down the aisle and into the ring. She and Gabriella were about the same size, with the same long, dark hair and everything. Putting his arm across the back of my seat, Garrett leaned over toward me. “You know, it’s amazing how fast Gabriella’s learned to fight. Jaden’s been doing this for a couple of years and she doesn’t come close to the skills Gabby possesses.”
About that time, Gabby walked down the aisle with Matt beside her and caught my eye, winking at me. She was always confident, but I could see it in her more now. I wish I could be like that.
Hell, I couldn’t look at anything else; she was on fire wearing her red sports bra and black shorts. Once the bell rang, I moved to the edge of my seat, eyes wide. Jaden struck first, but Gabriella ducked and swung her leg low, sweeping Jaden off of her feet.
Instead of pouncing, Gabriella smiled and let Jaden get back up. Over in the corner, Matt rolled his eyes and shook his head. She could’ve ended it there, but she chose to toy with her prey. From what I heard, Jaden was a complete cunt. I saw how she provoked Gabriella in that video a while back ago. Now she was furious because she knew Gabriella was playing with her.
Snarling, she got back into position and Gabriella struck, landing a hard punch to Jaden’s left cheek. Her head snapped to the side and before she could gain focus, Gabriella jabbed again and this time hit her right side. Jaden fell to her knees, and grabbed Gabby’s legs, taking her down to the mat. They grappled and fists flew wildly in the air, but when Gabriella got behind Jaden and wrapped her legs around her like a pretzel, I knew it was all over.
Jaden tapped out and the bell rang. Gabriella won. Jumping to her feet, she ran around the ring with the biggest smile on her face. Looking at her, she didn’t look like a hardcore MMA fighter. It was still strange to see how goofy she acted, yet still kicks major ass for a living.
“So where do you think her career will lead her?” I asked, looking over at Garrett.
He grinned. “If she keeps kicking ass, I’d say she could be the next women’s Bantamweight champion. Not only is she a great fighter, but she’s sexy as hell. I’ve had people contacting me about putting her in magazines and even the possibility of a movie deal. I haven’t told her yet, but I thought I would surprise her tonight.”
“Holy shit, that’s amazing,” I exclaimed. “She’s going to flip out.”
“That she is. Come on, let’s go.”
He helped me up and we trudged our way through the throngs of people to get to the back. Gabriella stood outside of her room while people took pictures of her and her brother together. When she saw us she rushed over and threw her arms around us both.
“Did you see me kick ass out there or what? I feel like I’m on air,” she squealed.
Garrett nodded. “And it’s only going to get better.”
Since we had about two hours to spare, Gabriella and I left to get something to eat, much to my dismay. I didn’t want to leave, knowing Ryley was so close by. It killed me not to be able to touch him or talk to him. Once we got back, Gabriella made me change into one of her ‘Team Ryley’ shirts even though I protested the whole time. She swore up and down that he’d like it. I had my doubts.
Now that it was time for his fight, we all went to our seats. As soon as we sat down, it was time for Ryley to make his entrance. Gabriella and I jumped to our feet and I screamed as loud as I could as the multi-colored lights flashed around the arena. The speakers blared to life with his fight song, except this time it was something different. Everything halted in my body when I heard the words of the song echoing in my ear. It was a message to me and I heard it loud and clear. The song was One Step Closer by Linkin Park. He was basically telling me to back off or he was going to break. That he needed room to breathe.
I thought maybe I was being paranoid, that it wasn’t meant for me, but even Gabriella looked pale when she watched Ryley storm into the ring with his blue robe draped low over his eyes. Judging by the lyrics, it didn’t bode well for me. My eyes burned, bu
t I stood my ground and concentrated on staying strong, even though the song and his actions were basically a right hook to the jaw.
“Ashleigh, I’m so sorry,” Gabby sighed. “He’s taking this too far.”
Squeezing her hand, I shook my head and forced a smile. “No, it’s okay. He’s hurt and lashing out at me. After the fight, I’m going to talk to him. If he truly doesn’t want anything to do with me, then he’ll have no problems saying it to my face.”
“Are you sure you want to do that? You might want to be careful loading all of this stress on yourself,” she commented, sneaking a quick glance at my stomach.
“I’ll be fine.” I hope.
By the third round, Ryley still hadn’t acknowledged me. Landon Baker was a tough striker, but Ryley lived up to his fighter name and went on a rampage. He was ruthless, yet held back just a bit to keep his opponent on his toes; he didn’t want it to end. It wasn’t until the last minute of the fight when everything snapped. Before the punch even connected, I knew it was going to be a knockout. The sound echoed through the arena, followed by the thud of Landon’s body falling limp on the mat.
“And the winner by TKO is Ryley . . . the Rampage . . . Jaaammmeeesssooonnn!” The crowd went wild when Ryley’s hand was lifted into the air. He smirked and circled the ring victoriously before jumping out and heading back up the aisle.
My heart was beating out of control, but it was now or never. I had to talk to him, even if it was the last time. “Gabby, I’m going back there,” I announced, getting to my feet. “I have to talk to him.”
“Okay, but I’m going with you. Let’s go.”
Gabriella and Garrett both followed behind, trying to keep up with my brisk pace. As soon as we got to the back, I didn’t care what he was doing or who was in his room, so I turned the knob and slammed it wide open. Gabby gasped behind me and so did the woman who was in the room with Ryley. She jumped to her feet and clutched her chest, her brown hair covering her face when she bent down to pick up her phone.
